What is a Girl’s Trip

Costa Rica Rainforest Retreat

Costa Rica has been ranked again at the top in the world in another category as a travel destination. This time as one of the top 7 stunning jungle and rainforest retreats. While the beaches in Costa Rica are beautiful stop and experience the rainforests as well on your Costa Rican vacation.

Going to the beach is nice and all, but there’s something about hiding away in the jungle that really gets our travel juices flowing. The lush scenery, the wildlife spottings, the chorus of birds and insects, and the gorgeous rustic-luxe retreats all help rejuvenate us like nothing else. For those still craving a little sun and sand, plenty of our rainforest and jungle picks are on or near the beach. So go ahead — take a walk on the wild side.

Geejam: Port Antonio, Jamaica

First up, The Geejam. The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away. Quiet isolation it has; a pool, spa facilities, and direct beach access it does not.

Haramara Retreat: Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Haramara is arguably one of the most special hotels in Mexico. It is a luxurious yoga retreat located on 12 seaside acres of wild vegetation just outside Sayulita. The structures have been built using traditional construction techniques to minimize the environmental impact, and there is no electricity anywhere besides the restaurant and the yoga studio — not even in the rooms. Each room is housed in a private standalone thatched hut with no window panes or screens separating it from the jungle, and only gauze curtains and mosquito nets to avoid bugs and critters. It is geared towards those in need of some detoxification and relaxation, with yoga and meditation classes, an open-air spa, a vegetarian and seafood restaurant, unpaved trails, and limited cell phone service.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek: Cayo District, Belize

Chaa Creek, one of Belize’s first eco-lodges, has evolved from its humble beginnings as a working farm into a premier luxury retreat. This sophisticated operation includes rustic-luxe, thatched-roof cottages, wonderful service, and modern amenities such as an infinity pool with jungle views and a full-service spa. The riverside setting on a private rainforest reserve is phenomenal, and myriad tours and outdoor activities are offered through the hotel. To top it off, […]

Costa Rica’s 2014 Envision Festival is Here

Envision is one of the most unique festivals in Costa Rica, so interesting, in fact, that is gains international attention. It’s a festival in an isolated area, surrounded by nature. It’s meant for open and artistic minds to come together.
The cultural activities began today and last through the 23rd, at the Rancho La Merced in Uvita. 3,000 tourists will be joining the locals this year, for Envision’s fourth edition. All ages, races, societies, and religions are welcome. The spirit is community and collectivity.
The event features dances, ceremonies, talks, workshops, prayer circles, yoga percussion, and other activities. Yoga is at the heart of Envision. The festival is meant to transform the individuals who will then transform their world.
Music is another essential part of the experience. The English DJ Tipper will be offering presentations throughout the long weekend. The US rock and electronic group Papadosio will be there, as well. The international lineup includes Nahko and Medicine for the People, Random Rab, Phutureprimitive, Rootz Underground, Rising Appalachia, The Funk Hunters, Sasha Rose, DragonFly, Incus and Goosebumpz. Costa Rican talent won’t be forgotten. There will be concerts from Sleepwalker, Cocofunka, Santos & Zurdo, Passiflora, Patterns, Melissa O, Mario Miranda, Javier Portilla, Dread Force and Florian Droids.
For more information go to their website.

Costa Rica Launches Ashtanga Yoga Magazine

Costa Rica welcomes a new magazine, one geared specifically at connecting the global community of Ashtanga Yoga participants. The Ashtanga Magazine is an online publication brought to Ashtanga practitioners by an all Costa Rican team.
Laura Quiros, a web designer, had a dream about making this web publication. She, an editor, and a yoga teacher made it happen. They shared the desire to create a virtual meeting place to share and learn this art form.
“[Practitioners] are all over the world, and Ashtanga is a demanding practice. A lot of people practice alone most of the year, and we want to be a source of inspiration and information for everyone who gets on their mat 6 days a week to become better human beings and achieve self-realization,” explained Gabriela Diaz, the editor.
The headquarters is in Costa Rica, but the publication is in English. Soon they plan to have a Spanish translation available, as well. Based on the number of visitors they’re getting online, it seems there was an unmet hunger for something like this.
They have plans to take the magazine to print in a couple of months and send it to all parts of the world, especially Mysore, India, home to Ashtanga Yoga.